GIPPSLAND swimming was on display at Warragul over the long weekend, as 112 SGB swimmers joined the rest of the region’s swimmers in the three-day championship. The weekend saw swimmers aged 7-51 years of age compete in a range of distances.
Competition is fierce, with three of the top 10 regional swim clubs at the event, there were no easy wins, but certainly plenty of smiles after the events, with many SGB swimmers in heats with club mates. Heats were held in the morning and the fastest eight returned at night to swim in finals and team relays. SGB showed their depth, fielding up to 10 teams in some relays and coming away with several medals.
The SGB swimmers gave their best in warm conditions. For many it is the final meet of the year before the autumn break, where many have a few weeks off competition, so it is a fantastic chance for them to see how much they have improved on their times since the start of the Long Course season back in October. There were plenty of happy faces as times came through, seeing their reward for their efforts.
During the presentation ceremony, several SGB swimmers were worthy recipients of awards.
Jedda Taggell was awarded the Jane Mitchell Encouragement award for females, finishing in six finals for the meet.
The Alan Harlow Trophy for the most points by an under 14 female was won by Emily Croatto with a total of 54 points.
The Jewell Family trophy was won by Rahni Matheson for top female with 87 points.
The Noelle Brajkovic Trophy for Outstanding Achievement Outside of Gippsland in the past season by a swimmer 14 years and under, went to Archie Smyth for his performances at Victorian Countries and States in this season.
SGB is still hot on the heels of Traralgon, who won the Ken and Pat Hewat Premiership Trophy for the most points overall with SGB coming 2nd for the 7th year in a row.
The team celebrated with their annual Gippies Championships Dinner at the Warragul Industrials Clubrooms where parents could catch up and the swimmers could enjoy some down time with friends.
Coach Dylan was pleased with their efforts. “Some of our swimmers had huge swim loads, doing their age events and open events and to see them still medalling in both long into the meet was so inspiring for the little kids. I challenged the little kids to help keep them motivated and cheering for an allocated senior swimmer and they really lifted,” he said.
“We had several families juggling athletics, swimming and basketball, so it’s been hard for them, but when they have been here the kids have given their all and that’s all you can ask for. I want to thank the families for their support in getting the swimmers there and fed, timekeeping and helping around the club.
“We have had several of our older swimmers make finals or medal for the first time which was wonderful. Persistence pays off. Some are here for their fifth or sixth time and it was one of the highlights for me for the weekend.”
Gippies is one of Coach Lorri’s favourite events of the year. “I just love seeing all the little kids having a go in the under 8s and 10s events. It seems such a long way for them, and they are just so proud when they finish. When they do the relays, the whole club gets behind them, cheering from the sidelines. It’s such a fun atmosphere.”
For Coach Sam, who has been coming to the championships for many years, watching the kids she coached as juniors have success as older swimmers is always a joy. “Watching their swimming journey, from little kids just making it down to the other end, to teenagers coming home with finals or national times. It’s just so pleasing to see.”
As the Long Course Season comes to an end, there is just the All Juniors Finals and the National Championships to go for the swimmers before a well-deserved break.
